Fair Prepares For Big Crowds

The Eastern Idaho State Fair kicks off Saturday, and crews are working to get everything ready for the crowds.

It takes a small army working nonstop to get the fair ready.

“Well, the Friday before the fair is complete chaos. We have probably approaching 1,000 people that will be on the grounds putting the final touches on all of the booth spaces, concessionaires and carnival,? Eastern Idaho State Fair General Manager Brandon Bird said.

Bird said the fair still has everything that has made it a hit for more than 100 years.

“The great thing about the fair is it’s been here 109 years, and those things that people love continue to come back every year. And we always try to bring something new and exciting for everyone,? Bird said.

One of the new draws is Rod Green, master of the chainsaw. Using chainsaws as his paintbrush he turns rough logs into works of art.

But he won’t say what he’ll be carving.

“It takes the fun out of it because I’ve found out in the past that the audience likes to guess what I’m carving, and nine times out of 10 the kids are always right,? Green said.

The sculptures he creates will be auctioned off for a good cause.

“I want people to know that the money goes back into the community. It’s going to be used for scholarships for kids,? Green said.

There will also be some new food at the fair, and at least one item Bird said he might not be man enough to try.

“We’re gonna have deep fried escargot. As they say, real men eat snails. I must not be a real man,? Bird said.

Organizers are confident this years fair will be a success.

“It’s going to be the best year. We got our order in early for weather, and good weather makes for a great fair,? Bird said.

Organizers are expecting more than 200,000 visitors to show up at the fair during the week.

Like last year, the fair will be smoke free except for a few designated areas, such as the beer gardens.